If you're suffering from joint inflammation, it's important to avoid these 5 foods to prevent worsening your condition. Discover the complete explanation here.
Joint inflammation or arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Joint inflammation can be caused by various factors such as age, gender, medical history, injuries, smoking habits, or obesity. However, did you know that your diet also affects the health of your joints?
There are certain foods that can trigger or worsen joint inflammation because they contain substances that can increase inflammation or irritation in the tissues around the joints. Therefore, if you suffer from joint inflammation, it's advisable to avoid the following foods:
1. Sugar
Foods high in sugar are strongly discouraged for individuals with joint inflammation. Consuming foods high in sugar can exacerbate joint inflammation. This is because sugar can increase insulin levels in the blood, which in turn can stimulate the release of cytokines, inflammatory molecules that can cause irritation or damage to the soft tissues around the joints.
Hence, avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar such as cakes, candies, soda, sweet fruit juices, syrups, or artificial sweeteners. Instead, opt for healthier and natural foods and beverages like fresh fruits, water, green tea, or honey.
2. Trans Fats
In addition to sugar, foods that are high in trans fats are also prohibited for individuals with joint inflammation. Trans fats are a type of saturated fat that is artificially created by hydrogenating unsaturated fats.
Trans fats can increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This can lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessels, impeding blood flow throughout the body, including the joints.
Foods that contain trans fats are usually processed or fried foods, such as french fries, chips, doughnuts, pastries, margarine, butter, white bread, or biscuits. Avoid consuming these foods and opt for foods that contain healthy and unsaturated fats such as fatty fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, or olive oil.
3. MSG
MSG or monosodium glutamate is a food additive commonly used to enhance the savory taste of dishes. However, excessive consumption of MSG can have adverse effects on health, including triggering joint inflammation. This is because MSG can increase levels of glutamic acid in the blood and brain. Glutamic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can stimulate nerves and cause pain.
Therefore, avoid foods that contain MSG or other flavor enhancers. Read product labels carefully before purchasing processed food products. If you want to prepare meals at home, use natural seasonings such as garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, pepper, or salt.
4. Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids needed by the body to maintain cell function and the immune system. However, excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation and worsen joint inflammation. This is because omega-6 fatty acids can produce prostaglandins and leukotrienes, substances that can increase inflammation and pain in the joints.
Foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids include corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, canola oil, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds.
Limit the consumption of these foods and opt for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Examples of foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseeds, or chia seeds.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol is a substance that can cause dehydration and damage to the body's tissues. If you suffer from joint inflammation, consuming alcohol can worsen your condition¹. This is because alcohol can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood and lead to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within the joints. This condition can cause a form of joint inflammation called gout arthritis.
Therefore, avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol if you have joint inflammation. Instead, opt for healthier and refreshing beverages such as water, coconut water, lemon water, herbal tea, or vegetable juices.
Those are the 5 foods that should be avoided if you suffer from joint inflammation. In addition to avoiding these foods, it's also important to consume foods that can alleviate joint inflammation or arthritis.
Some examples include brightly colored fruits (such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries), green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli), ginger, turmeric, and garlic.
Furthermore, maintaining an ideal body weight is crucial to avoid putting excessive stress on your joints. Regular light exercise is also recommended to improve blood circulation and enhance joint flexibility.
If the symptoms of joint inflammation persist or are accompanied by fever, fatigue, weight loss, or joint swelling, it is important to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
0 Comments